Thirty-one years after the birth of the Savior, while Jesus was ministering to the people in the land of Israel, a prophet named Nephi was preaching the gospel on the American continent. He “began to testify, boldly, repentance and remission of sins through faith on the Lord Jesus Christ” (3 Nephi 7:16). Mormon tells us that “Nephi did minister with power and with great authority” (3 Nephi 7:17). As a result, his words were persuasive, he performed miracles, and some people were converted to the Lord.
What does it mean to minister “with power and with great authority,” and how does a person access that power?
President Russell M. Nelson has provided the following guidance about increasing our priesthood power:
- Pray from our hearts: “Polite recitations of past and upcoming activities, punctuated with some requests for blessings, cannot constitute the kind of communing with God that brings enduring power. Are you willing to pray to know how to pray for more power? The Lord will teach you.”
- Search the scriptures: “Study earnestly in order to have more power.”
- Worship in the temple regularly: “The Lord loves to do His own teaching in His holy house.”
- Serve others. Follow the promptings of the Spirit to know whom to serve.
(“The Price of Priesthood Power,” General Conference, April 2016)
And, as President Nelson subsequently clarified, these principles are just as relevant to women as to men: “Sisters,” he said, “you have the right to draw liberally upon the Savior’s power to help your family and others you love” (“Spiritual Treasures,” General Conference, October 2020).
Today, I will make the investments of time and effort which will enable me to minister “with power and with great authority.” I will pay particular attention to the quality of my prayers and of my scripture study. I will look for opportunities to serve others, and will follow the promptings I receive through the Holy Ghost.
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